Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Tuesday, April 30, 2019
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Since becoming a mother, Mother's Day has taken on a whole new meaning. It's not only a day to be recognized for all we do as mothers, but it's a chance for me to show my daughters how much they mean to me. For me, that generally translates to experiences more so than gifts (although receiving a small gift that I love is always appreciated!). Last year, Emma and Harper took me to brunch and paid for it! I know they don't have or earn a lot of money, so that small gesture and time spent together meant so much more to me than a random gift.
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Splurge vs. Save: Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Monday, April 29, 2019

The boho chic look is one of my favorites. A must-have to achieve this look is a wedge platform sandal. Not only is the sandal super comfortable, but it will also create a longer, leaner look, elongating your legs. That's music to this short girl's ears! When I went in search of this sandal to complete my boho chic look, I found that there are many price points out there, but most of the sandals look the same and are made of the same materials.

In the mood to pinch your pennies? Buy the SheIn Criss Cross Wedge here.

In the mood to throw caution to the wind? Buy the Lila Platform Wedge here (also available in black).


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5 Fab Finds Under $50

Friday, April 26, 2019
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Utilitarian chic is popping! From army style combat jackets to camo tees to jumpsuits, we are seeing all sorts of military-inspired styles this spring. I love this trend! This has been a look that I've been a fan of since Banana Republic first popularized the safari-chic style in the 1980s. There's a lot available to wear, but here are a few items I saw in stores lately and loved.

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Best Online Reads

Thursday, April 25, 2019

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Four garbage can tricks for a better smelling kitchen via Apartment Therapy.

2. Ways to deal with difficult people via PureWow.

3. Foods your are probably mispronouncing via Food Network.
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Trend To Try: Transparent Bags

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Transparent bags have been popping up in stores all spring. But is this trend for you? It's certainly not for the faint of heart. I mean, can you put your life on display for all to see? You've got to be comfortable letting it all hang out when you carry a transparent bag. These bags are super cute, but I'm still on the fence. But if you are ready to jump on board, here are some fun bags that will inspire you to try the trend:
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Our Itinerary For San Diego

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

This trip has seemed so far away for so long, and now it's here. By the time this post is published, we'll be on a plane on our way to California. While it's hardly my or my husband's first time in California, it is the first trip for Emma and Harper. So, we've been focused on planning things that are quintessentially southern California. I tend to over-plan vacations...like down to the minute. And because this one is a short one (4 days), we are trying to pack a lot in. But I'm trying to be more laid back and flexible on this trip and plan out a few things to do without being too structured and detailed. I created a Pinterest board for San Diego, and it's been a fantastic source of ideas and places to visit.
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What We're Reading

Monday, April 22, 2019
Tomorrow we leave for a spring break trip to San Diego, and since it's a long flight, we've stocked up on books for the flights there and back. I plan to spend most of the flights reading, but I'm sure the girls will end up watching movies most of the time. But in either case, they've downloaded books in the event that they have the desire to read.

Here's what we'll be reading while we spring break in sunny southern California.
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5 Fab Finds Under $50: Summer Whites

Friday, April 19, 2019
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Is there a color more quintessential of summer than white? It's a fresh, crisp color that's perfect for the season. If you have little ones and fear wearing anything white, try a pair of earrings or sandals to stay on the safe side.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, April 18, 2019

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. The five obscure areas in your home you're forgetting to clean via Domino.

2. What gives the Magic Eraser its superpowers via Apartment Therapy.

3. Five wardrobe staples you should own by 50 via The Zoe Report
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Weekend Dispatch

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

I've got a full plate this weekend with Easter, a family birthday party, and packing for our spring break trip to San Diego next week. But I'm going to try to do at least one or two things on this list. I know it'll be a busy weekend for most of us, but if you have a moment to spare, check out a few of these recs.
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The Books I Read In March

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

In March, I read three of the best books I've read in a long time. One of the books was a free download through Kindle Unlimited that I downloaded based on the book cover. The other was an advance copy that was sent to me as part of a sponsored campaign, and the other was a book I picked up in the grocery store for $4.

Here are the three books I read in March:
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Celebrate Earth Day In Style

Monday, April 15, 2019
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I was bitten by the "green" bug more than 20 years ago. Yes, I am a self-proclaimed tree hugger. I've been recycling for 20+ years, and I've been absolutely fanatical about the 3 R's...reduce, reuse, recycle.

This year on Earth Day, I will be embracing my inner green and wearing my passion for green living in all sorts of ways. Take a look:
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5 Fab Finds Under $50

Friday, April 12, 2019

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On a budget but still want to look great? Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, April 11, 2019

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Eight ways to stay safe on your next Uber ride via Huffington Post.

2. How to stop using weak language at work via Career Contessa.

3. Eight things to stop doing when you wake up in the morning via Apartment Therapy.
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Weekend Dispatch

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Last weekend I spent the better part of the weekend prom dress shopping both in store and online. It was rather exhausting. Emma is very picky, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But in this case, I was hoping for a little more flexibility. She tried on a lot of dresses. Some because she genuinely liked the dress. Others to get an idea of the fit and color of the dress with her skin tone. We came home empty handed, but we will not be derailed or defeated. It's onward march!

Here's what else I'm up to this week:

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What I've Bought Recently

Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I tend to go on a spending freeze during the winter months. I don't like winter, and therefore, I don't like winter clothes, so I rarely buy new clothes for the cold weather unless I absolutely have to. This also explains why you rarely see me post outfit pics on Instagram during the winter months. Most of the clothes I wear are classic pieces (cashmere blend turtlenecks and sweaters as well as jeans) from 2 or 3 years ago.

But once spring arrives, I find myself itching to buy all the cute things for the warm weather months. Plus, we are heading to California in two weeks, so I've been buying a few things for the trip. I wanted to share a few of the items I've purchased recently in case you are looking for inspiration, need some spring wardrobe update ideas, or are just plain curious about the things I am loving lately (I have a slight fascination with what other people buy).
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Splurge vs. Save: Ruffle Mules

Monday, April 8, 2019

I love a great pair of mules for dressing up a simple, casual outfit...like a pair of jeans and a white tee. When I found pair of mules (above left) on Nordstrom, I thought they were amazing. They also happen to come in black. But the price tag ($128) was a little too high for a pair of trendy shoes. But then, as I was browsing Amazon (which I tend to do quite often), I found the almost exact pair of mules (above right) for less than $35. You can barely spot the differences. The heels are the most obvious difference, but otherwise, they are almost the same shoe.

In the mood to throw caution to the wind? Buy the Free People mule here.

In the mood to pinch your pennies? Buy the Brinley & Co. mule here (available in 5 fab colors).
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Playing Favorites

Friday, April 5, 2019
Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks - I like to try different makeup and skincare products, but there is one product to which I am loyal. I swear by Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads. They are so effective and gently and don't tear your eyelashes out. So, when I saw these makeup remover sticks, I thought they'd be great for removing eye liner on your bottom lashes. Well, I was right. They are fantastic. Best part is that the remover is built into the cotton swab, so there's no need for dipping into a separate eye makeup remover.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, April 4, 2019

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Eight items every woman should have in her closet in 2019 via Oprah Magazine.

2. The most popular hair trend the year you graduated high school via Good Housekeeping.

3. The best time to put your home on the market via Domino.
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Weekend Dispatch

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Another weekend has come and gone and another one is rolling around already. This weekend we will be in full prom-prep mode as we go shopping for the dress and all the accessories. Shopping with Emma is always an adventure since she's not one for making swift decisions. She often lingers over items for well over 20 minutes, abandons them, only to return to the store an hour later to labor over the decision a little more. But, there is the Nordstrom coffee bar, so at least there's that.

Here's what else I'll be up to this weekend.
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Happy April ~ Letter from the Editor

Monday, April 1, 2019

April has finally(!) arrived, and I couldn't be happier. Although the weather this month is rather iffy with many days feeling like winter and very few feeling like spring, I can't ignore the simple fact that we are that much closer to summer. Speaking of summer, I need this dress for browsing quaint little towns.

This month on the blog, we'll be focusing on spring, of course. I'll be traveling to San Diego (my first time back to SD in 16 years) with my family later in the month, so some of the content this month will focus on family travel and my own personal travel favorites (think comfortable airplane outfits, must-haves for my carry on, and what and how I pack).

When I return, I'll share my picks for what to do and see in the San Diego areas, and a day-by-day recap of our trip. We are planning to cram in A LOT since it's the first time Emma and Harper have been to California. In the meantime, be sure to check out these favorite stories from March in case you missed them. 

Also, be sure to check out my weekly series Weekend Dispatch where I share some ideas for how to spend your weekend.
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It's almost beach season! Here are a few beach basics under $40 you'll need to look stylish on the sand this summer.


If you lost your motivation somewhere around the middle of February, it's time to get it back. These fab finds under $50 for your workout should do the trick!


Have you shopped Nordstrom Rack lately? There's so much good stuff that I rounded up the 10 items that I am loving right now from Nordstrom Rack.


Lavender is one of spring 2019's hottest colors. Here are some super cute ways to rock the lavender trend.
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APRIL MUST HAVES

Don't wait until June to start shopping for a bathing suit. The best ones will be out of stock and what's left is not likely to be your size. This halter monokini is ultra flattering on any body type/size, and it's under $30!


I'm looking forward to kicking off my ankle booties for good and slipping into spring-like shoes and sandals. I love these black and white mules for both dressier occasions or for dressing up a casual outfit. The black and white combo is so crisp and clean.


To survive spring's temperamental weather (at least here in the northeast), you'll need to master the fine art of layering. Start with this utility vest (safari chic is all the rage this spring) and go from there. For cooler days, wear it over a sweater or on warmer days, a light top or tee works with a pair of jeans.


Speaking of utility chic, camo is on 🔥🔥 right now. But this trend isn't appealing to everyone. How do you look chic without looking like you just steps off the battlefield? A simple camo tee will do. This one is under $15 and is a fun and inexpensive way to where the trend.


Don't forget to follow along on Instagram.


And Pinterest too!

Make it a great April! 🌷
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